#moral panic lp

[justasmisunderstoodasloki]

My best friend bought me a book + NBT Moral Panic lp I'm gonna cry now I love her sm

[soundsandnoises]

Nothing But Thieves in Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

7/10/2021

[theeboyracer]

2021, a year in records - January 16th

[slovenlyrecordings]

A buncha crazy new swill in at Slovenly Worldwide!

Various - Killer Cuts LP

The King Khan & BBQ Show - Live At Izola LP

Political Asylum - Fresh Hate LP

Various - Nuits Blanches LP

Sistema De Entretenimiento - Sistema De Entretenimiento LP

Moral Panic - Validation LP

Stiphnoyds - Afraid Of The Russians 7" RE

Black Easter - Ready To Rot 7" RE

[watch-talk-fixate]

The Humility of Family and Being a Hero: A Darkwing Duck and Drake Mallard Analysis.

Special thanks to @stoopakoopa @mighty-ant @drakepad because they inspired me.

Ducktales 2017. A show that a lot of people saw a simple cash grab and the exploitation of nostalgia of 80s and 90s kids alike. But it was a true surprise. A show of adventure and family and exploring yourself in the family name. This show brought so many characters from the golden age of Disney Channel called “The Disney Afternoon Era” with faces from shows like: Gizmoduck, Talespin, Goof Troop and Darkwing Duck. 

The whole concept of Darkwing Duck is quite silly really. A parody of Batman, superhero tropes and even James Bond but with a duck in the suburbs of the fictional city of Saint Canard living with his boyfriend sidekick Launchpad and his adopted daughter Gosalyn. As someone who watched the show in reruns back in the day and recently rewatched it on Disney Plus, I didn’t think I would have appreciated this show as much as I thought I would. Dry and witty humor that caught me off guard and it truly doesn’t seem as dated as other shows from those times. 

But I’m here to talk about Drake Mallard and what it means to be a superhero and a parent. 

(For the sake of the analysis, I will be referring to Drake Mallard from the Ducktales 2017 reboot as “Drake Mallard!17” and the Drake Mallard from the OG Darkwing Duck show as “Drake Mallard!91”.)

Ducktales 2017 for a long time was alluring to bringing Darkwing Duck into the universe of the show. Many fans didn't know how this was possible until a certain episode that was the rise of another superhero and Darkwing Duck’s long time rival: Gizmoduck (now voiced by the guy who wrote a Broadway musical that won many awards-- Bring It On the Musical. I’m kidding. Lin Manuel Miranda). In the episode ‘The BUDDY System’ we are shown what looks like a fight scene between Darkwing Duck and his villains, MegaVolt and QuackerJack. But then it’s abruptly cut when it’s revealed to be a video. An episode. Launchpad explains to Dewey (the blue duck nephew of Donald Duck) that Darkwing Duck is his favorite TV show’ meaning that Darkwing Duck is a TV show in the Ducktales 2017 universe. A show inside a show. 

Weird, right? 

But what does this have to do with being a superhero and a parent and how family humbles you? Well, in the OG Darkwing Duck show the character of Drake Mallard is shown to be a late-20s to early-40s nobody in his two-parter episode debut-- “Darkly Dawns the Duck”-- who spends his days locked inside an abandoned bridge tower and out fighting small-time crime at night as a purple masked weirdo. And I say this in the kindest way ever but Drake Mallard!91 is an asshole. It’s later revealed in the show that he wanted to be a superhero not because he wanted to protect the people in his city -- that is a parody of Batman’s Gotham -- but because he wanted the praise and attention of being a hero. He’s a hero for a selfish reason. 

But how is it possible to have an asshole for a main character that lasted 91 episodes? Drake Mallard!91 has a child. It isn’t his biological daughter really but she is his daughter. In his two-parter episode his first real ‘save’ is the granddaughter of a scientist that was murdered by the mafia and now they are after the granddaughter because she has the code for a machine that they are going to use to rob banks and release mayhem across the world. Darkwing Duck!91 goes to save her and they start to have a bond that makes my daddy issues burst into tears. 

Hiding her in his secret hide-out, she isn’t comfortable and Gosalyn needs to sleep so as a way to calm her down he sings her dead grandfather’s lullaby to her. I won’t reveal the rest of the episode or the “plot twist”(?) because I think it’s a cute episode. But here we see that Drake Mallard!91 does have the ability to care about others that isn’t himself or his reputation. 

At the end of the episode, he goes out of his way to adopt Gosalyn and officially makes her his daughter. Throughout the series, you see that Drake Mallard!91 bonds with Gosalyn. Taking her to school, talking to her about emotional things, and doing everything in his power to protect her from the harm that comes with him being a superhero. But in one of my favorite episodes “Toys R Czar”, Drake Mallard!91 has come to the conclusion that he can’t both be a hero and great parent after one of Gosalyn’s teachers points out that she has been causing a lot of issues at school. He blames himself for not being a good parent, reading parenting books and following them to the letter. Cleaning, baking cookies and even being the director for a play where he made Gosalyn the star. 

He gives up being Darkwing Duck. He gives up the one thing that he worked so hard and was so proud of. Drake Mallard!91 put his ego aside to be a good parent and was ready to throw away his cape and pick up an actual job to raise Gosalyn. He did the toughest thing about being a hero, a figure of salvation: having a family. 

I think that the reason that I enjoyed the OG Darkwing Duck a lot despite me being a bitch to the pain character’s ego and pride was that yes, he would probably be a terrible parent but he has Gosalyn and Launchpad to guide him. He has them to ground him and not let his ego overrun him into believing he’s such a big-shot hero because he stops supervillains with only a gas gun, smoke bombs and a purple mask. His family makes him human-- despite him being a duck. 

Now moving onto Ducktales 2017. In the episode ‘The BUDDY System’ when Launchpad is telling Dewey about Darkwing Duck being his favorite TV show and growing up on it he mentions an actor’s name: Jim Starling. 

Jim Starling plays Darkwing Duck. Remember that. 

(Fun Fact: the actor who voices the OG Darkwing Duck/Drake Mallard!91 does the voice of Jim Starling.) 

In my favorite and comfort episode “The Duck Knight Rises” we are shown that Jim Starling has suffered the same fate of Bo Jack Horseman: a washed out actor from the 80s/90s that is living on the steam of his former success. Jim is no longer as popular as he was back in the day, making money off of signing autographs and openings of less-than-desirable stores. It isn’t until Dewey mentions the fact that there is a Darkwing Duck Movie ready to release that we see Jim Starling happy and ready to jump back into the role. 

The Role of a Hero. 

We discover that Scrooge McDuck is the one producing the movie and after watching the trailer both Launchpad and Jim Starling agree that this isn’t faithful to the character. Yet Jim doesn’t really care, he wants to be back into the light and have the attention and adoration of an actor. Of being a hero. How very of Drake Mallard!91 of him. 

The director of the Duck Knight Rises movie tells Jim that he isn’t playing Darkwing Duck. A younger actor is. Outraged, he attacks the actor and is kicked out alongside Launchpad. Jim Starling believes that he is owed this role. That this role only belongs to him and no one else in the world. Roping Launchpad into his plan, here we see that Jim Starling never truly let go of his past when he slips on his old Darkwing Duck costume to play hero again. 

It is Launchpad that begins to question him when Jim starts to ramble about revenge, Launchpad still looking at his old idol with nostalgia tinted glasses and goes along with the plan. 

Here is where the analysis begins to pick up again. When LP sneaks into the actor’s trailer and immediately panics, locking himself, the Actor comes to his rescue. After some light fighting we see that the Actor is a big fan of the Darkwing Duck; possibly bigger than LP himself. LP does have a connection with the show but it seems that he Actor here takes it up more personally. That his whole ideologies and all of his morals came from a silly little show from his childhood and is the reason he is the way he is today. This whole movie is his big shot and a dream come true. 

Immediately after this, we see Jim Starling running around and knocking people out. Actually hurting people just to get back into the role he’s clinging on to. Paralleling the Actor’s acceptance of the role and Jim ready to draw blood because he can’t let go. 

Finally, we see the Actor and Jim Starling have a “sane” interaction. That it’s a huge honor to be here with him, says the Actor. That he wants to play the role of Darkwing Duck with Jim’s blessing. That they can do this together. 

But Jim wants this for his own. All for himself. 

After knocking the Actor out, we see a glimpse of how gone he is. How attention thirsty he is and that he will literally stop at nothing to get back on screen. 

The whole climatic fight of the episode is the Actor putting on his new Darkwing Duck costume and heading off face first into danger to save people as Jim Starling just snaps. The new confronts the old. With the trademark, goofy Darkwing Duck openings of I am the terror that flaps in the night but more modern. 

As they fight, it’s LP that finally gets to Jim with him telling him how much Darkwing Duck means to him and what it means to be a hero like him. As a power beam prop is ready to fall on top of LP, Jim does what a hero is supposed to do. Sacrifice. By pushing his biggest fan out of the way, he completes the role he has been yearning to play. 

They don’t find the body. (Yes this is a kids show). But here is where we learn that the Actor’s name is Drake Mallard. 

Drake Mallard!17. 

Launchpad is the one that convinces Drake Mallard!17 to be the true Darkwing Duck. For Jim. 

Jim Starling is what the OG Darkwing Duck was. Egotistical, wanting fame and attention, having all of the qualities that would make anyone doubt that he is truly a hero. The thing is that if Jim Starling only played Darkwing Duck, not Drake Mallard (because in this universe he is a real person), then it means that he didn’t have a Launchpad or a Gosalyn to ground him. Jim Starlings is what happens when a hero is isolated and is only a hero and not a person. 

Drake Mallard!17 is a person who becomes a hero while Jim Starling is an actor who pretended to be a hero. Jim was stuck in his own vanity, not having anyone truly reminding him that he isn't’ the roles he plays; that he isn’t Darkwing Duck. 

Drake Mallard is Darkwing Duck.

[curious-minx]

Lookie here, my dear (Don’t miss this album!

“

Lookie Here, My Dear is a weekly column that spotlights albums that have evaded the Big Sites (Pitchfork, Stereogum, Allmusic, etc,). This week’s album is one that especially needs some extra love and support:  Of Montreal’s 21st album: I Feel Safe With You, Trash.

Image from Of Montreal’s Bandcamp, please consider supporting an artist you love today on Bandcamp

Of Montreal is the closest I have gotten to embracing a Phish/Grateful Dead style fandom over a band. I would absolutely drop everything I am doing in my life to follow of Montreal on tour. I am singing along to every song. I don’t have the songs consciously memorized, they have been programmed into me. I have listened to a full bootleg version of False Priest and have seen them live more than any other musical act in my lifetime (Around 10 times in three different states and one different country). As an aggressively weird and emotional kid growing up in the South that wanted to break through the gender binary and frighten and challenge the “normals,” you couldn’t ask for a better soundtrack than Of Montreal. I discovered them in 2007, the year of Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? The last album Of Montreal would earn Pitchfork and Big Publication’s laurels and respect.

There have been 10 albums out since Hissing Fauna and I love the majority of these albums to various degrees. There is a B-sides rarity compilation Daughter of Cloud that I haven’t really spent time with and a couple of real dud LPs: Innocence Reaches and UR Fun. UR Fun was the most recent Of Montreal album that came out in the beginning of 2020 and was more or less written off as a complete failure by critics and online fairweather fans. Critics have actively grown disdainful over Barnes’ eccentricities and their overwhelming unfashionability, there hasn’t been anything trendy about of Montreal in nearly 14 years. Real of Montreal fans know there’s usually one middling album that paves the way for a much stronger release. Mainly evident in the jump of quality between Innocence Reaches and White is Relic. The leap in quality between Trash and UR Fun is astonishing.  

UR Fun has some choice cuts and even the worst Of Montreal albums are more interesting than a good deal of today’s musical landscape. I saw Of Montreal live for UR Fun in February 2020, one of the last full capacity shows that would ever happen in Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Steel venue, perhaps forever. Unfortunately it was one of the most unpleasant oM concerts I attended and no fault of the band but due to the audience. Restless and rude bodies going back and forth, forth and back to the bar or who knows elsewhere and shoving people around. An absolute covid nightmare. Nobody attending concerts in January and February 2020 were appreciating them as much as they should.

////

Of Montreal had been releasing their albums on Polyvinyl since their sixth LP, the critical breakthrough Satanic Panic in the Attic. At that point Barnes had already spent 8 years building up a devoted cult following and making hysterically ornate psychedelic pop and lo-fi rock confections. Of Montreal seem to have a layered working relationship and have been a stable home for Barnes’ adventurous output. What’s remarkable is that none of these shifts in sound ever feel like counter culture role play or trying on an EDM hat or a alternative country hat, they are always distinctively an Of Montreal album. Besides stylistic adventurousness the other running throughline that connects the of Montreal discography together is Barnes’ penchant for hyper-literate, bold everything and the kitchen sink approach to lyricism and songwriting. The highly divisive, gloriously deranged Hissing Fauna follow-up LP, Skeletal Lamping is where the free-verse, songs within songs approach fully becomes a mainstay for Barnes. Even though I Feel Safe With You, Trash is being released on a separate personal vanity label, Sybaritic Peer, Of Montreal and Polyvinyl continue to be a fertile label and artist relationship. 

I Feel Safe With You, Trash is also notably the longest album released by Of Montreal since 2004’s Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies (1 hr 9 mins) clocking in at 1 hr 6 mins. As of writing this article I have already listened to the album three times and counting upon its official release date. Not because I have a moral principal about how many times a person should experience art before analyzing it, but because the album is so damn replayable. Of Montreal at their best, and this album represents Barnes at the height of their powers, reminds me why I love and obsess over music. Hardly anyone making music today is making music this bold and adventurous. At this point in their career Barnes has more than solidified their status as bonafide Japanese word for a Music Witch. 

Barnes has been performing and producing every single instrument and singing every backing track on their albums for over two decades now, and still indicates not even a sliver of fatigue. There are days where I can barely write a single thought down because I know it won’t get a single like, it won’t lead me any closer to picking up the camera and nailing that perfect monologue. I can be salty about the life of obscurity I have built for myself, but then I have to remember Kevin Barnes. A bonafide musical genius that hardly bothers to get the word out. Barnes seems incapable of stopping making the sort of albums a person can get lost in for days. They are my biggest musical heroes, they represent exactly the sort of path I want to carve out for myself.

I Feel Safe with You, Trash is the embodiment of the gift that keeps on giving. A portrait of an LGTBQI+ artist 25 years into a career completely devoid of diminishing returns. There have been some missteps along the way with “Georgie Fruit'' and having too much fun during a mid-life crisis with UR Fun. More importantly I Feel Safe with You, Trash represents real, critical growth for Of Montreal. And this is Album One of Two of 2021, the year Of Montreal continued to take up a considerable portion of my mental bandwidth, it’s pure bliss. 

///

Notable Tracks:

Aries Equals Good Trash - The first obvious “single” for the album that has a serious swaying lilting, uneasy beat. The vocals on this track are indicative of the overall shift in quality in Barnes vocals that have gotten a lot less strained and smoother.  Favorite lyric/delivery:

“I compare thee to a saturnalia (ha!) if I may be so rude.” 

The song also touches upon Barnes’ relating to be on the spectrum, both the gender/sexual spectrum and the cognitive one. Music for people breaking new ground with a broken brain. 

Now That’s What I Call Freewave - 

“Every time I look at my phone I get brain damaged. By every blamedead person I get lobotomized"

This song is also the first song in the Western music canon to introduce the phrase “feelbad songs of Covid summer.” This song also marks the first appearance of several where Barnes is absolutely shredding the guitar. I don’t really listen to much music that places and emphasis on “solos” or melting the fret board, but how can you not get excited by that burst of guitar? Also leave it to Barnes to find a way to also shout out an experimental cinema deep cut, Chick Strand’s Soft Fiction. I also discovered the Czech film Valerie and Her Week of Wonders through the song “st. exquisite’s confessions.” Why not also use your songs as a chance to shout out cool obscure cinema? 

Still from Chick Strand’s Soft Fiction

True Beauty Forever - Of Montreal go future funk. If you don’t know what that means don’t worry I’m brewing up a whole story on the joys of future funk. 

“I'm a black widow and I don't bite you so I guess I'm in love!

Possibly my new favorite Of Montreal song...

Fuckheads Is the Auto-correction - Okay I need to nix that phrase from my vocabulary because nearly every song on this album could be considered a new favorite. How can you top this opening couplet: 

Am I a creep because I don’t have a chosen pronoun? Am I a creep because my mind is the Odeon of the multiverse?

Drowner's TeÃrs - The use of pitched up vocals is an example of some of the new bells and whistles added to the oM sound palette. 

Fingerless Gloves & Kcrraanggaanngg!! - Find Barnes doing death core, metal styled goblin shrieks and it really, really works. More absolutely gnarly and nasty fret work. 

 Yamagate Florest Flutes & ThRam Rammaged à Man-Mod - Reggae/Dub Of Montreal? :O

Notes Of ViOlate SPectates A Flatter Of Male & So Chill Then (o Portão) - On an album this dense and frenetic there had to be some more ambient and chill passages and having So Chill Then as the album closer makes for a satisfying, soft landing. 

///

And to close whole she-bang up here’s a picture of Of Montreal performing at one of the best music festivals in the world, Pahoda in Slovakia:

 This post is in no way associated with Of Montreal in any way, but I highly recommend checking out and subscribing to Of Montreal’s Patreon Page and ride the artwave!

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #207

“it’s late, and you’re still staring at the light; to call it an addiction’s impolite.”

Nevermind what gender you ARE, what gender do you WANT to be? Happy being a girl. Do you ever feel ashamed revealing your age? When it's to people who are aware of how behind I am in the adult world in any context, yes. Very. If they know nothing about me, then I don't care. Are you confident enough to reveal your height and weight? Height, I don't care. Weight, fuck no. What do your parents call you? Both usually say "Britt," but Dad's more likely to use terms of endearment like "sweetie" and such. Well, Mom does use "hunny" a lot too. How old were you when you first got to go on the computer? Idr. About the "normal" age for little kids that played Neopets, probably. Would you say you’re an emotional person? Way too emotional. What’s a color that suits you the best? Black. And a color you just can’t pull off/don’t want to? Probably most... I wouldn't know, almost every single thing I wear is black. I have literally one light purple shirt, and I think that's the only non-black shirt I own. Describe yourself when you were 6 years old? Very talkative, extremely imaginative, outgoing, I was definitely weird, tomboyish, very happy... Man, I miss being that kid sometimes. A type of personality you just can't stand? The older and older I get, the more I cannot STAND a closed mind. I like people who accept they're far from always right, and sometimes, your "right" isn't such for someone else, and that is fine. You don't have to see the same way to still get along perfectly (though of course, there's no need to respect an opinion that spits upon, invalidates, or is just plain hateful towards another person/group). Like just as an example 'cuz I feel like I explained that poorly; I'm really not into the idea of polygamy at all, but I'm not against it for people it works with. You do you. Your appearance in one word would be? "Abilify." :^) City type of person or country? I like the live in a more country-ish area, but I found through Chicago I LOVE /visiting/ cities. What’s something you’re obsessed about right now? When am I not obsessed with Mark, meerkats, Silent Hill, opossums (a newer addition), WoW, etc. etc.? My whole life runs on obsessing over something, fren. Your reaction if someone told you you look 10 years older than your age? ZOINKS that would suck ass. Do you really badly want anything right now? For the past couple weeks, I've become more and more antsy to get up to Sara's again. When I land a job, fancyin' up my tattoo just because as I've said again and again it is SO important to me and must be perfect, then I'm saving up to go back up there. What’s something that makes you really stressed out? With all this job searching and such going on, it's like all I can think about, so why not mention what fucked me up at my previous ones: Putting me in a position of responsibility and expected knowledge. Ex., when I was a sales associate and was asked "Oh, do you have this?"/"Where is this?", it was CONSTANT PANIC MODE because I never knew and had to ask somebody, when I was expected to be a knowledgeable employee to the customer, and then comes the horror of feeling like I'm inconveniencing and annoying them. Have any particular standard look you look for in a significant other? I don't have a "standard look," no, but I am more likely to be drawn to a gothic appearance. But I don't actively search for someone that meets that criteria or anything. Do you listen to Wiz Khalifa? No. What are your opinions on marijuana legalization? Please legalize medicinal use already. Recreationally, idk. Do you date outside your own race? I'd have no reservations against it. I dated a Hispanic... less than a day, but still, you get the point that I don't have a problem with it. What are some of your turn-offs? SEXIST/MISOGYNISTIC, too old-fashioned, racist and/or homophobic, raunchy, arrogant/self-centered, lack of sincere interest and enthusiasm in conversation, poor hygiene, I'm gonna get SHIT ON for saying "too slutty," not taking dating seriously... that kinda stuff. I'm so picky. Are you gay, straight, bi, or trans? Bisexual. Are you vegetarian? If not, would you ever consider becoming one? I'm not now, but I hope to return to it after I get to my goal weight... In my few months of vegetarianism, it was proven that my immense pickiness with food was making the diet unhealthy for me, as I was strongly lacking in certain vitamins and such. I'm going to have to somehow overcome that if I want to return to it, which I REALLY do want to do the more and more I get into animal welfare and care. Are you in love? Yes. Are you more of a pessimist or an optimist? Pessimist, I think, out of the two. But I like to see myself as a realist. How much money is in your wallet? Literally just $11 lmao. What’s your favorite sex position? Only experienced in these with a man, so answering with that in mind. I like sitting on his lap, facing him, with my legs around his back. What do you ultimately wish for in life? Happiness and peace. Have you ever been pregnant? No. What do you think about tipping at restaurants? Tip your goddamn waiter/waitress, assholes. I do believe in tipping based on the quality of service, BUT at least give them SOMETHING for working. Do you have your driver’s license? No jkajdsklfaj;wer. I haaaave to practice more. Whenever I'm in the car, I always strongly prefer to listen to my music, controlling it from the passenger's seat, and at least right now, I can't drive with loud music, barely any at all really, so I have a hard time giving up blaring my music while Mom drives lmao. Have you ever passed out from drinking? No. What’s your favorite carnival food? Idk, I don't go nearly enough. Who did you last kiss? Romantically, Sara. Platonically, either my niece or nephew when leaving. Have you seen the final Harry Potter movie? I haven't even see one. Ever been called a slut? No. Would you ever have sex with someone not of your preferred sex? I'm bisexual so like- Would you ever get back together with any of your exes? No. Do you take any meds on a daily basis? Yep. What did you do today? Watched LPs as always; did some job searching; played WoW, way shorter than usual though; took a nap; made a new icon; took a shower; listened to music; did some social media scrolling. The usual stuff. What do you wear to bed at home? A tank top and pj pants. What do you wear to bed when you're somewhere else? The same, but with a bra. Is there a place you keep any prized/secret things whilst you’re away? No. Do you have any phobias? What? Why do you think you have this/them? I'll just talk about the unordinary ones, 'cuz I have a lot. The ones I'd consider "weird" are vomiting, whale sharks, and pregnancy. Vomiting is because it's just incredibly unpleasant, but also because I know what goes down is not supposed to come back up. Like no one likes puking, no shit, but I'm legit afraid of it and lock up on what to do when I feel it coming, like I don't know what to do. Whale sharks... ahaha. It literally came from World of Warcraft. The design of their mouths is fucking horrifying, and I hate hate hate how they sometimes phase in-and-out of the Vashj'ir map so just like pOP UP. NAH, SON. It's just their damn mouths, even though I know their esophagus is far too small to swallow a human. As for pregnancy, just... ew. I'm afraid of parasites, and it's a parasitic relationship. Something should NOT be growing inside of you. What skill do you possess that you are most proud of? I'm very compassionate, especially when it comes to others enduring emotional struggles. I really feel for hurting people. What is your greatest strength (e.g. honest, loyal, brave)? I have strong morals and stick to them. I'll always stand up for what I feel is right. What’s your greatest shortcoming or flaw (e.g. cowardly, alcoholic)? Ah jeez, there's a lot... but probably my anxiety. It's held me back and manipulated my actions since middle school. I struggle not followings its rules, but I'm sure trying. Who do you most admire? Mark, my mom, Sara, Sara's dad, Steve Irwin... man, there's too many great people. Who do you most love? Sara, my mom, and my pets, Teddy especially. What three things do you look for most in a partner? EXPRESSING OF THEIR EMOTIONS/TRULY FEELING!!!!!!!!, compassion, and a cool head. If you could ask God (to atheists - IF there was one) one question, what? Hm. Good question... There's a lot, but mostly little wonders; I feel like I have a decent understanding of the god I personally see, so don't have any magnificent questions. Perhaps regarding why they created our world. That'd be interesting. Rate yourself on these traits from 0 to 10: 0 - do not possess this trait. 10 - you have great amounts of this trait. Calm temper: 7. Charm: *big shrug* Cheerfulness: 3-4. Confidence: 0-3. Courtesy: 8-10. Curiosity: 6-10. Forgiveness: 9-10. Generosity: 8-10. Greed: 0-3. Helpfulness: Well, I like to try to help, but I don't feel I'm very successful at that, so idk. Honesty: 5-9, depending on who I'm talking to and what the subject is, I guess. Loyalty: This is very flexible, and I don't feel like I can put a number on it. It depends on how deserving you are of the trait, and yes, you can lose my loyalty in a heartbeat if you give me reason to take it away. Optimism: 0-4. Patience: This can go from a whopping 0 to a 10, lmao. Very dependent on the situation. Self-sacrifice: 8-9. Wit: -10. Briefly describe your family. Kinda broken. Tight bonds scattered between certain people, no bonds with others. What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? The breakup. I wouldn't wish that night upon Satan himself. How did it affect you? We know. Have you ever had any recurring nightmares or themes in nightmares? Speaking of that... Jason is in most nightmares I remember. The common theme is it's either after the breakup and we have an awkward running in with each other, or it's long before when everything was "perfect." All things considered, I'd call even that a nightmare. Those fuck with me the most. Do you currently have a boyfriend/girlfriend? Yeah. Do you have any close friends? I can count those on maybe two fingers. Of what are you most proud? Letting Jason go. Of what are you most ashamed? I've talked about the Joel situation multiple times. What is your religion? Theist. Where do you stand on abortion? Mostly pro-choice. Where do you stand on the death penalty? Sometimes justifiable and one's deserving end. Felons are lucky enough it's done humanely. Where do you stand on wearing fur? If you're not surviving out in the arctic, fuck you and all you stand for. Could you kill somebody? I'm perfectly aware I could in defense situations. For what reason would you kill somebody? Defending myself or loved ones. Hell, probably even strangers. I'd kill a rapist with zero fucking hesitation, even if they were assaulting someone I'd never seen before. Would you SERIOUSLY CONSIDER killing anybody right now? No. Do you trust easily, or not? NOPE. What, if anything, would you sacrifice your life for? Defending peace, gay rights, or if it was to protect most of those I love. What are your dreams/ambitions/goals? Be a successful photographer, reach financial stability, come to a point where I'm actually proud of what I've done, play a roll in wildlife conservation, be happily married, and just overall be content and satisfied with my life. How do you plan to reach them? Working my goddamn ass off and not taking "no" for an answer (not about the marriage part tho lmao). Do you ever want to have a family someday? With children? No. Who would you want to start this family with, or do you not yet know? I just want a pet family with Sara. What do you see yourself doing next year? Man, I don't have a clue... What do you see yourself doing in twenty years? I don't want to think of that. That's too far ahead. I'll be 43... I've gotta work on too many things now. Would you ever have an affair? I'm very curious as to who would actually answer "yes" to this. Would you ever have a one night stand? No. Lmaoooo actually this is sad as fuck, but I think I've said in a previous survey just knowing myself, if we were both single and clicked, I'd be doomed if it was Markiplier. My morals would sadly go out the window. If you had a month of nothing (no work, no obligations) what would you do? That's literally been the story of my life for years now, especially the past two. And it's torture. Would you ever choose a career or job where your life was at risk? No. Well, actually, I do want to do wildlife photography, and it can be pretty dangerous. Were you present at any major historical events (e.g. 9/11)? No. Do you have any famous relatives? No. Ancestors, yeah, but not close relatives. Are you a loyal member of any organizations? No. What type of criminal would you be? With how forgetful I am, I'm certain I'd be a very clumsy one that gets caught very quickly, lol. What are you listening to right now? "Voices" by Motionless In White. If you had to choose a stripper name, what would it be? Um idk. If your phone started ringing, who would you hope is calling? Someone for a job interview. Do you drink? Rarely and/or for some special occasions. Never enough to get drunk. Do you smoke? No. What is the first thing you notice in someone? I guess posture? How they carry themselves? Do you get attached easily? BOY! DO I!!!!!!!!!!! Do you like your eye color? I wish they were more blue. Would you go bungee jumping/sky diving if given the chance? Definitely not bungee jumping, I know how I react to that kind of up/down movement, and probably not skydiving, either. Have you ever been to a psychiatrist/therapist? Both regularly since middle school. Are looks important in a relationship? Not very. What is your favorite thing to do? Binge a new song I fell in love with for like days lmao. What was the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? PhotoScape. It's easier to move watermarks for photos on there, and I was working on the ones I took a few days back. Do you like to gossip? No, I feel super guilty. What kind of computer do you have? An Acer. Do you know all the words to your national anthem? I think? Have you ever failed a grade? No. Have you ever made the opposite sex cry? Yes. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? Nah. Have you ever slapped someone in the face? No. Do you own a designer purse? Hell no. Waste of money for a goddamn purse that's just gonna get dirty and scratched. What’s the weirdest rumor you’ve ever heard about yourself? Jason and I magically had a baby over summer vacation when I was very obviously never pregnant. Do you say the "h" in the word “herb”? No, though I did for a super long time 'cuz I had no idea it was wrong. Do you speak any languages besides English? Not fluently. Can you run in high heels? I wouldn't really know, but boy do I doubt it. Do you have to take stairs or an elevator to get to your house? No. What do you usually order at Subway? Ummm I think white bread, ham, American cheese, bacon, jalapenos, banana peppers, and Chipotle sauce. I think that's it. Did an alarm wake you up this morning? No. How long is your mother’s hair? Past her shoulderblades, near the middle of her back. Is there any particular place you’d like to vacation to next? Surprisingly, I'd love to go somewhere tropical, like Hawaii or some shit like that. Somewhere with clear water and unique, beautiful wildlife and nature. What is your beer of choice, if any? Never tried beer, never want to. The smell is bad enough. That and I associate it with when Dad was an alcoholic. Did you share a bed with anyone last night? No. Well, other than with my cat. Do you know anyone who volunteers regularly? Yes. Have you ever ruined a nice pair of shoes, and how? Maybe, playing in puddles or biking through them and mud as a kid or something. Who were the last friends you went to hang out with? Sara. How many chairs are in the room you’re currently in? None. Have you texted a relative in the past week? Not besides immediate family. Are you doing anything important today? No. If I were to bring you any type of food right now, what would you pick? If I was actually hungry, I have been craving hotdogs on the grill like CRAZY lately. No clue why. When did you move into the house you’re currently living in? April-ish 2017. Do you ever sleep with the light on? No, I can't. Do you pray to Jesus? 20+ years of that did nothing. No. What was the last thing you ordered at Starbucks? N/A Do you have a bonfire pit in your yard? No. Would you consider being homeless if it meant you could travel the world? I don't know; there's lots of factors to consider. Would I be willing to leave my pets (but Teddy, probably; I'd want him with me) with my mom? Would I have something like a camper? Where am I getting this money to travel and provide for myself? Do you know your next-door neighbor? Mom knows one, but I personally don't. What’s something you have never done? Lots of things? As an example, uhhh... I've never done a cartwheel, despite childhood efforts? Name someone you know who is a true risk-taker, adventurer, and free spirit. Do you admire that person? Idk. Do you wish you were more of a free spirit? I think I already am, but it'd be cool to be more of one. Are you allergic to any medications? No. How do you feel when someone says something you’ve experienced doesn’t exist? Tell me depression isn't real, my PTSD isn't genuine, I can "get over" my anxiety if I want to hard enough, stuff like that, and I will not fucking associate with you. These are things that have massively affected my life; I dare someone to tell me these experiences aren't real issues. What worldview do you have? A realistic one, I think. I'm positive in some areas, negative in others. Hm... I'm probably more pessimistic about the world's future, though. Do you have friends who have different religious beliefs than you? Duh? If applicable, who was the first person you “came out” to? Sara. What’s one thing you’d like to do more? Travel. What was your style in high school? Some emo/metalhead hybrid that wished with all her heart to be capable of affording a goth wardrobe and bitch I still do. What’s one thing you are jealous that other people got to do but you didn’t? Have a healthy teenage experience. Have you ever taken birth control pills continuously? I have for years for my cycle. I had just about debilitating cramps and sometimes periods that lasted over a week. Who is your personality twin? Sara is probably the closest. What’s a common name that you hate? Edward, above all. Not a big fan of William, Robert, or Allen, either. Who do you wish you were best friends with? If you don't count my girlfriend as "best friend," maybeeee... Alon still? Or Baylee. I need to talk more to her, she's awesome. Do you own a camera tripod? Yes. Did you ever believe in mermaids? I don't believe so. …in fairies? I believed in the Tooth Fairy. …in Santa? Yes. Have you ever purchased alcohol? Yes. What is your newest hobby? Hm, I don't think I've found a new one for a long while... What gives your life meaning? I don't know. What motivates you to do what you do? The pursuit of happiness. What was the weather like the last time you went out? Too fucking hot. Do you go for walks often? No, though I really want to around a lake at a local, small park. Problems consist of no way to get there myself, it's WAY too fucking hot with my sweating issue, and my knees just wouldn't have it; I know I couldn't walk the full lap around it. Also expect some art installations around the path and probably the gazebo are PokeStops for Pokemon Go and really wish I could play it, so that's bait to do it lmao. What color shirt are you wearing? Pink. What is your favorite type of YouTube video to watch? It really depends on who I'm watching. Favorite on the face of the planet are Mark's ego projects, then my second fave are probably Shane's conspiracy videos, then I love let's plays. Do you need any new clothes right now? I seriously need more pants. And new bras. Do you collect anything? If so, what? Silent Hill merch and meerkat stuff. ^and if not, what would you like to collect? When I can buy shit myself, ya girl is gonna have way too much Markiplier merch. YouTuber stuff in general, actually. Too shy to ask for that kinda stuff now lol. Have you ever experienced a miracle? I don't think so. What was the last thing you ate? A burger. Do you ever eat food that’s intended for kids? ...? Like, baby food? No. Or maybe you mean shit like Lunchables? In cases like that, sometimes? What was the last stupid thing you did? Oh boy, who knows. Do you get embarrassed easily? You. Have. No. Idea. What are your top three names you like for a daughter? Alessandra, then uhhhh... I like Chloe and Adrian. Would you ever film a vlog of yourself giving birth? Hell no. I'd never wanna see it, I'd never want my hypothetical child to have to witness that, etc. Do you like getting caught in the rain? No. Wet clothes are no. Do you think your hair looks best straight, wavy, or curly? Straight, I guess? Though my hair does swoop to the right, so it's kinda a wave? What was the last craft project you completed? Oh, yeesh. I don't do crafts. The closest thing was I guess Sara's Valentine's Day gift for last year? Name 3 YouTubers you would like to meet in person: Markiplier is literally the only one that matters lmao and it's not "would like to meet in person," he will be forced to endure meeting me ok. Meeting Shane Dawson would be amazing, he's such a relatable sweetie, aaaaand #3 would probably be Rhett and/or Link, as similar to Mark, they deserve a tear-filled thanks as well as back-breaking hugs for seriously helping in keeping me alive through my suicidal year. I mean it when I say they genuinely helped me keep going. What color are your nails painted currently? They’re never painted. Do you use a pill box? No. List 3 people you know who were loving and then turned cold: Jason, Jason, and Jason. Have you ever felt threatened for your life? No. Which did you like better: high school or college? My college experience was horrid. High school had great memories, but of course negative ones, too. Which year of your life stands out to you as the most significant so far? 2017. …and why? It was my year of recovery from the breakup. What was the last store you shopped at? I went to Wal-Mart with Mom. I think that was the most recent, anyway. Do you have a favorite pharmacist? No. Do you have a favorite cashier at the grocery store? No. What’s something you discovered recently? I'm a Billie Eilish fan. What makes you more creative? Music. What’s the last magical thing you experienced? YO okay so when my brother and nephew were here, we went to the science museum and into a 360 VR-esque show about astronauts. I got SO nauseous and dizzy, but it was nevertheless extremely cool. What is the theme of your bedroom? It doesn't have a theme. Have you ever lived in a dorm? No. When was the last time you stepped outside of your comfort zone? Just tonight! I ordered at a drive-thru myself. Would you rather ride a camel or an elephant? An elephant! Do you want to lose weight? You have no fucking idea. Which insects scare you, if any? Lmao most. Especially rhinoceros beetles, big beetles in general honestly, cockroaches, earwigs, centipedes... like a lot okay. I like observing praying mantises, but I would probably have a fucking heart attack if one was on me. Do you think it’s silly to be afraid of a tiny insect? Well, yeah, though I get the likely survival reason, that being we know many are venomous, so we're naturally averse to them, especially if we don't recognize the type. Were you raised religious? Yes. Have you ever been abused? No, thankfully. Is there a coffee shop you like better than Starbucks? N/A If you could afford to get your hair professionally done, what would you get? Man, I have SO many color combination ideas. If I could get it done in the safest manageable way by a pro, I saw this look once with totally bleached/pure white hair that fades to blood-red tips, and BOY would I get that in a heartbeat. If you had a lot of money, do you think you would use it wisely? I hope so. I think so. The only thing I imagine myself being weak with are tattoos. Do you know any rich people who are very irresponsible? I don't think so... List five careers that you’d like to have: Meerkat biologist, paleontologist, artist, poet, something in wildlife conservation/protection. List five far-out things that you’d like to do before you die: Scuba-dive, I'd LIKE to ride a rollercoaster (far-out for me, trust me), but I know I never will, and uh... idk. Riding a motorcycle would be cool, but that's another thing I hiiighly doubt I'll do. What was your first imaginary friend’s name? I never had one. What was the name of the first pet that you loved? Chance, a cat my mom rescued. She was our very first family pet. She was absolutely incredible. Do you like to go barefoot? Unless I'm in a house, no. Do you like the same colors now that you did as a kid? Yeah. Do you have a YouTube channel? Yeah. Is there someone who stopped talking to you for no reason? Oh, who to begin with? Did you ever get called horrible names like whore, skank or bitch? "Bitch" more than once. Where did you sleep last night? My bed. Have you ever slow danced with anyone? With Jason, yeah. And I don't think so, but maybe Sara briefly? Have you ever cried in public? Yeah. What would you do if you were pregnant? I don't have a fucking clue. Do you like cuddling? With someone I love. Have you ever cried in school? Yes, but I think I kept it private. Who’s the last person to send you a message on Facebook? A woman whose wedding I'm shooting this Saturday. Have you ever witnessed someone else engaging in a sexual act? Just making out. Where did you get drunk last? N/A What’s your relationship with the last person you texted? She's my girlfriend. If someone went through your pictures, would they find a dirty one? No. How did you do on the last test you took? I haven't been in school for a long time. How come you’re not going out with the person you love? I am.

[ofoatd]

ZAYN 'Entertainer' & Panic! At The Disco 'High Hopes' Track Review

Opening up to optimism on the other hand closing up to falseness. Panic! At The Disco and ZAYN dropped new completely contrasting singles 'High Hopes', a bashful, bold and brass crusade of utter fanaticism following 'Entertainer', exposing an evaluation of foreseeing truth amongst a forage of fetching fibs.

"I spent too long not setting my expectations high enough, worried about how it felt to fail. I hit a point where I realised I had to aim high and fail, fail, fail in order to keep growing. This one is for all of you who helped me go through it all." Boasts the brains behind brand new hit 'High Hopes' ahead of the underpinning record Pray For The Wicked emancipate m, amongst heavily UK based appearances ahead of the one man and his touring members band's promotional pit stops. Performing at BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend costal city spot Swansea, a speedy signing for all sinners who snatched up the pre-order packages for the religiously inclined record at HMVs oxford street flagship, before bolting to a secret event for the select few fans picked throughout the websites sign up database dubiously surrounding the sixth studio album in comparison to ZAYN's empty 'Entertainer' events, with Asian apparel endorsement Penshoppe posters popping up in paramount points in the Philippines, plastering over 'Entertainer' eventual parade.

'High Hopes' terrific trumpets, tapping snares and ornate orchestral instruments makes a pompous big band meet an organised organisation of wooden stringed assortments rendering a relation to 2011's Vices and Virtues melancholy orchestra cross contaminating with 2018's Pray For The Wicked wacky and wonderous marching band, to curate a sub era of Panic! At The Disco that hones in on 'High Hopes' for the foreseeable future balancing a familiar struggle to set free from the past. With dipping drops and honourable horns, a consummate candidate set to be a fixture of a US hockey campaign for its 2018 cup competition, a fitting song synchronisation showcasing the singles morale boosting and motivational boasting thesis. As Brendon Urie proudly pronounces a futuristically optimistic outlook under an entirely incentive, momentum and stimulating vocal demure, a typical tenor tone Urie possesses to present a problematic and turbulent musical career influenced under the financial and emotional pressures of industry tribulations, turned realiser of attainable achievements and fulfilling paramount prophecies and major manifestations singing "Had to have high, high hopes for a living/ Shooting for the starts when I couldn't make a killing/ Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision/ Always had high, high hopes". Both lyrical and production value hitting a sanguine spirited sound to the bands follow up song ahead of Pray For The Wicked exports 'Say Amen (Saturday Night)', Silver Lining' and 'High Hopes' with the full length LP launching 22nd June.

'Entertainer' chattering and pattering production pronounces Zayn's maturity in music. From banal Bubblegum Pop to undisputed Urban, a short stint of a 3 minuet song is enough to evoke an electro-R&B artistry to flow seemingly through the single's entirety. Accompanied by the 'LIKE I WOULD' crooners accomplished vocals, settling at a somber and steady technique somewhat restricting Malik's famous falsetto with the looming lack of high hitting notes in dim dismay. Yet with the single making it's worldwide debut on Apples acquisition Beats 1 Radio with DJ Zane Lowe, a significant stakeholder in propelling the 25 year olds solo success with one of the important initial interviews with the star subsiding on the platform his smoky and sleek sounds exhibited a voice that suits the accompanying music videos sultry scenes model Sofia Jamora portrays in her major follow up role from the precursory 'Let Me'. In the representation of a provocative worker sporting a platinum blonde Malfoy inspired bob cut, to ZAYN sitting comfortably relishing the scenes sings "Don't you take me for a fool/ In this game, I own the rules/ You were my favourite entertainer". Expressing an ensemble of lyrics letting listeners tune in to a confident confrontation of lies and lust of a lover, playing a dangerous game and gambling with Malik's emotions.

Listen to 'High Hopes' by Panic! At The Disco and 'Entertainer' by ZAYN on all major music platforms here:

Panic! At The Disco - 'High Hopes' - Spotify

Panic! At The Disco - 'High Hopes' - Apple Music/iTunes

Panic! At The Disco - 'High Hopes' - Amazon Music

Panic! At The Disco - 'High Hopes' - Google Play

Panic! At The Disco - 'High Hopes' - Deezer

Panic! At The Disco - 'High Hopes' - YouTube

ZAYN - 'Entertainer' - Spotify

ZAYN - 'Entertainer' - Apple Music/iTunes

ZAYN - 'Entertainer' - Amazon Music

ZAYN - 'Entertainer' - Google Play

ZAYN - 'Entertainer' - Deezer

ZAYN - 'Entertainer' - YouTube

(All photographic content curtesy of RCA/Fueled By Ramen/DCD2)

[top10albums2021]

Elise Cobain - Music Content Specialist 

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2021: In no order

Don Broco – ‘Amazing Things’ This album is back-to-back brilliance with every element (visual, live and audio-wise) fine-tuned to the bodacious standard only Broco deliver.

Trash Boat – ‘Don’t You Feel Amazing?’ Trash Boat have burnt down the walls of the past and created a truly stand out, candid album that showcases the absolute beast-tier of a band they are.  

Tigercub – ‘As Blue as Indigo’ This album is distilled adrenaline that has catapulted them into the eyes and ears of the world (and rightly so).

Boston Manor –  ‘DESPERATE TIMES DESPERATE PLEASURES’ There is nothing this band can’t do when they get creative and this distilled EP-hit is what I’ve been waiting for after the long year of 2020.

Nothing But Thieves – ‘Moral Panic Part 2′ Anyone discovering NBT this year has got everything they could want to know about this band in one LP: beauty, power and passion.  

The Pale White – ‘Infinite Pleasure’ The Pale White create this irresistible indie infused rock that, partnered with Adam Hope’s signature vocal, are a true gem of the British music scene.

Yonaka – ‘Seize The Power’ I’ve been a fan of Yonaka for the long haul and with every release they present a refreshing take on their alternative style with incredible songwriting.  

Spiritbox - ‘Eternal Blue’ There’s so much to fall in love with in this debut release and one that I reckon is 2021’s best metal LP release.

Kid Kapichi – ‘This Time Next Year’ This self-produced album demands your attention and is full of sexy riffs and real-talk that I haven’t heard in a record for some time.

Press To Meco  -  ‘Transmute’ The thing I’ve always loved about this band is there ability to write insanely uplifting melodies and riffs that are perfect both in listening and live mode.

------- 3 Songs I Love From 2021: Yonaka – ‘Ordinary’ HCK9 – ‘Cartoon Smile’ Palaye Royale – ‘Punching Bag’ -------

[soundsandnoises]

Nothing But Thieves with Airways and Yonaka in Cardiff Motorpoint Arena and Birmingham O2 Academy (7th and 10th October 2021)

Bruises have gone through the rainbow of colours and are fading. State of euphoria is a very distant memory now. And demented medley of fragments of the songs mixed in the strangest combinations is yet to leave my head... I've started this review so many times, with notes all over the place. If it was so good (and oh, it was!) why do I struggle to turn emotions into words? Is it because it's been so long and fingers ain't so swift on the keyboard no more? Is it my brain not making the connections as cool as it used to? Is it because it was the first time back – first indoor gig and expectations were so high (and how they were exceeded!)? Or is it because the songs resonated a little bit louder than usual and caught me off guard? Maybe it's all of the above or maybe it's just the season... Anyway... here goes...

AIRWAYS

If somebody told me that tracksuits/ tracksuit shorts could be a wholesome look, I would strongly disagree (to put it mildly). But, but... Four lads from Airways looked like tracksuits' commercial. And one that was done right. That's a fact.

Also if you're an opening act – you gotta roll in style. Dress to impress, especially if it's the night of your band's debut album's release. So they did. What's more, they played to impress. And Cardiff was into it. Impressed, actively participating in singalongs and clapping...

Songs from their debut album 'Terrible Town' were an energetic mix blending indie rock vibes, roar of guitars and rhythms you couldn't ignore and stand still with quite often tongue in cheek lyrics. An album produced by Dom Craik [Nothing But Thieves' guitarist], “so it's not shit” to quote Jake [Daniels, Airways' singer/guitarist]. Also catchy, very catchy – so no excuses for not humming/ singing/ shouting at least choruses' lyrics. If 'Rust' or 'Me and My Brain' or 'Alien' didn't get stuck in your head (each of them for a different reason) then, let me tell you, you did something wrong there.

Birmingham might not have been the album release night, but it didn't really matter, cause it was cooking, heating up and raving... Basically people were enjoying themselves and Airways' songs. Bit of a tumble here and there, I want to say: circle pit? It was condensed and sweaty opener and definitely started the night at the right pace.

YONAKA

All eyes on the stage, Yonaka took over and with a strong start with 'Seize the Power' they were... relentless. 'Punchbag' and 'Greedy' followed and the facts were these: Yonaka is the force to be reckoned with with charismatic Theresa Jarvis on vocals is the fireball onstage. Add to it beautiful speech for “everyone who's struggling with anything right now” and that it gets better before band played 'Call Me a Saint' and the audience was captivated. Ready to rumble and eager to follow singalong directions from the singer.

Birmingham was bustling with energy and heat, some boys standing behind me started complaining that it was boring, but it kinda felt to me they couldn't handle girl calling the shots, 'cause let me tell you Yonaka was on fire and the crowd was going crazy. I'm sure they would sing the praises when left alone with the band, but you gotta show off in front of mates.

Listen to 'F.W.T.B' which stands for 'fucking with the boss', then you'll realize Yonaka takes no prisoners. Heavy beat laced with a bit of electronic, distinct way of singing and unapologetic lyrics created a mighty show.

Also, a bit of a side note: we need to talk about Theresa's hair! Yellow, awesome colour, suits her well. Light went down, light went blue and whole Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff went 'oooooooh' – phones/cameras were out within seconds, 'cause it's freaking fluorescent neon yellow, just adding to the punch and style the band brought with them (sparkling jackets!). And Birmingham had its own 'ooooh' moment with guitarist taking off his shirt, the gasps of appreciation were more than loud and he was clearly amused with the reaction.

NOTHING BUT THIEVES

Sweat. Smell. Heat. Many bodies becoming one organism united by the purpose.

It's not a description of sci-fi movie, it's a concert crowd. Marvellous, loud and overcame with joy. Singing all the parts of the song, yes guitar parts included (Birmingham, that was absolutely brilliant!). Different songs striking different chords in my wired brain. From sombre with tears in the eyes on 'Soda' to 'lightbulb' moment and weird reassurance when 'Free If We Want It' hits me. Words so well known, get a little bit deeper as I find unsuspected relief and calm in 'Wake Up Call'... It may not be the wisest idea to make decisions based on songs, but some people go to psychics, some ask cards, some rely on saints and prayer, so maybe that's a way too? But to the point...

Conor's voice is a mesmerising instrument. He is one of those artists who can stand alone on stage, with just an acoustic guitar and a single light shining on them and captivate the attention of the whole crowd. Just like on stripped down 'Particles' when chills run down your spine as you hear him sing. All that amplified by NBT's intricate guitars and rhythm that makes hearts beat faster, ever changing rhythms that blow your mind with song's structure sounds even better live than on the record. Add shy smiles (or very bright ones) and being taken aback by the crowd singing every bit of the songs, flirting with the crowd and it's absolutely amazing show they put together.

Small sweaty venues or arena, fewer lights and tricks or full throttle lighting show – it doesn't matter: it's always a show to remember, always on top of their game. Even after so many months of not touring. And always an incredible connection with the fans.

Cardiff, for me, was filled with joy and general good vibes, most likely it was the first indoor gig for me since the pandemic happened. I was happy to be there, happy all went relatively well (apart from the minor ticket issue – technology finds usually the way to fail me and it manifested in ticket not loading in), happy with the spot – at the barrier, on the side with a perfect view and away from potential camera in my face, happy with lack of queue drama... The list could go on. Important is, I felt I belonged there, that I was where I needed to be. And the fact it was Nothing But Thieves concert, whose incredible journey I've had privilege to watch through the years, it was a cherry on top for sure.

Birmingham was... intense, laced with a little bit more anxiety (and how I torture myself now revisiting all the things I have said and did and how I should have just been quiet, because I surely made a fool out of myself), technology failed me again but that interference didn't stop me from getting in. Smaller venue meant that there was no hiding from the camera's eye, and yes I did wipe the barrier with the sanitiser (just to be on the safe side, my fellow concertgoers comment was 'fair enough' after all). Inconvenience rather than another drop to the anxiety pool was the fact that the girl next to me had such a great time she was waving her arm and elbow right in front of my face and I wondered if I was about to end up with black eye (I am sure I amused the security guard as I kept on moving her arm when it felt a bit too close and frankly blocking my view).

Even though setlist for Cardiff felt incredibly whole and just right I'm glad I could go to Birmingham and experience it all over again with yet another beautiful set of songs filling my heart so intensely. Minor changes but big impact: 'Soda' was replaced by equally emotional 'If I Get High'. Even though I missed 'Itch' in Birmingham, 'If I Were You' did absolutely smashing job elevating those heart-rates. New songs debuted in Cardiff ('Miracle, Baby', 'Phobia'), but were replaced with something “old” in Birmingham ('Excuse Me', 'Wake Up Call'), but at the same time 'Graveyard Whistling' was out and 'Free If We Want It' sounded like a church bells on Sunday through O2 Academy. I absolutely adore 'Graveyard Whistling' and it was odd not to hear it, but the feeling that was brought by 'Free If We Want It' was something I definitely needed that day: a soothing warmness (?). And '[…] we can be free if we want it, (Don't look back, keep going)...' stuck with me, like it was trying to patch up the hurt within me.

Funny how you can feel completely satisfied yet something within is unquenchable, it's a mystery of live shows. And it's a feeling I've missed dearly.

Airways' setlist:

One Foot

Slow

Alien

Me And My Brain

Mate

Rust

Reckless Tongue

Friends

Yonaka's setlist:

Seize the Power

Punch Bag

Greedy

Call Me a Saint

Ordinary

Clique

F.W.T.B.

Rockstar

Nothing But Thieves in Motorpoint Arena Cardiff:

Futureproof

Real Love Song

I Was Just a Kid

Trip Switch

Soda

Itch

Sorry

Interlude / Guitar Solo

Forever and Ever More

Miracle, Baby

Graveyard Whistling

Unperson

Phobia

Particles

Your Blood

Is Everybody Going Crazy?

Amsterdam

Encore:

I'm Not Made by Design

Impossible

Nothing But Thieves Birmingham O2 Academy:

Futureproof

Real Love Song

I Was Just a Kid

Trip Switch

If I Get High

If I Were You

Sorry

Interlude / Guitar Solo

Forever and Ever More

Excuse Me

Free If We Want It

Unperson

Wake Up Call

Particles (Acoustic)

Your Blood

Is Everybody Going Crazy?

Amsterdam

Encore:

I'm Not Made by Design

Impossible

[veilblight]

I got tagged on a get to know me meme by @cukinya so I guess that's what imma do on this fine morning

Nickname: unless using the name Simon online for a few years counts then nope

Gender: probably a girl

Zodiac: Leo

Height: 1,60 m (Aka 5'3 in American)

Age: a bitch gonna be an adult in a little less than two months can you believe?

Time: it is,, 10:20 am.

Favourite bands/ Solo artists: Panic! At The Disco, Janelle Monáe, Kehlani, LP and Five Finger Death Punch

Song stuck in my head: All Men Are Pigs by the Studio Killers

Last Movie I saw: in a cinema Deadpool 2, huddled in my room I think it was Pride(2014).

Last thing I Googled: angry Connor Detroit Become Human (I needed it for a meme ok?)

Other blogs: HA! I can't even run this one.

Do I get asks: lmao why would I? If anyone wants to though

Why I chose my username: because my moral alignment is apparently chaotic neutral (I agree with the chaotic part 100%).

Following: It's all pretty random.The only thing most have in common is that they are queer tbh.

Average amount of sleep: Impossible to calculate. I sleep between 3 and 12 hours a day (which would make the average 7,5 hours but welp)

Lucky Number: for some reason 3

What I am wearing: a Panic! At The Disco shirt and shorts. It be hot in Hellas.

Dream Job: Writer and Teacher.

I love writing a lot and have many ideas but also love explaining stuff, especially maths. So ideally I'd be a maths teacher that writes novels in their spare time.

Dream Tip: the Netherlands!

Favourite food: oooh tough one. Probably chicken gyros though, I am a Hellenic at heart after all.

Play any instruments: sadly no, I'd love to learn the guitar though.

Favourite Song: that's an illegal question how dare. But I guess at the moment it's No Witness by LP.

Play(ed) any sports: I've tried Jujutsu(idk if it counts or not?), volleyball and basketball but I got bored very quickly of all of them.

Hair Colour: like a light brown with a bit of red?

Eye Colour: Hazel

Most Iconic Song: Alcohol Is Free by Koza Mostra and Agathon Iakovidis

Languages you're speaking: Hellenic and English, and German kind of but I need to brush up on it.

Random Fact: I think anarchism is actually dope.

Describe yourself as aesthetics/things: tired gay disaster™

I'm gonna tag @kovaqs , @official-infinitea and @oforlikelalune

[pasteladins]

Worst Case Scenario (1/2)

Pairings: Kiralfonse F/M

Summary: There is always a possibility of Kiran getting injured on the battlefield.

The shrill sound of clashing metal could be heard throughout the battlefield as Askran forces fought off an Emblian onslaught. The current skirmish was all due to an ambush led by their commander, Xander, as he attempted to overwhelm and take over an Askran fort. The crowned prince slashed his way through Askran soldiers as if they were nothing. His legendary sword, Siegfred, glowed its unsettling purple aura as it countered enemies from close range and from afar.

Despite the chaos unfolding on the battlefield, the Askran’s tactician, Kiran, stood her ground as she called out orders for the heroes. Without her guidance, the army may have ended up in a full state of panic. The summoner checked each area of the battlefield before creating new strategies in her head.

After being summoned here almost nine months ago, Kiran had gradually gained the confidence to lead the growing army of Askr against Embla. Despite her lack of experience, the summoner did her best to assist the kingdom in any way she could. This was definitely appreciated by the Askran royals, as well as their commander. The sudden appearance of Kiran led to rise in victories and morale.

However, even with her huge success as a tactician, Kiran had a major weakness -- she could not fight in battle. The summoner would have to enter each and every battle weaponless and only hope that she would come out of the skirmish alive. Although many of the heroes would not hesitate to protect the summoner, the risk for a fatal injury was still a possibility. This truly unnerved everyone in the Order, but not as much as the Askran prince.

No matter how much Alfonse fought against it, he slowly began to establish a close relationship with the tactician. They grew close as time went on, and Alfonse could no longer control the growing feelings he had for Kiran. Eventually, the two became an item because of this, an event that neither of which had seen coming.

Now, Kiran meant the world to Alfonse, and losing her would be crippling to both him and the army. This is why the royal made sure to place himself close to Kiran in case any Emblian soldier would strike her down. His trusted Folkvangr glimmered against the moonlight despite the stains of blood coating its blinding metal. The precious stones glowed a beautiful white light as he brought it down onto another solider, slowly dwindling the enemy army’s numbers with little effort.

“Let me through!!” He triumphantly yelled, knocking down a pair of axe wielders as he progressed through the enemy’s front lines. He had become so focused on defeating the soldiers in front of him, that Alfonse had wandered far away from Kiran.

The summoner had her own issues, and she was too focused on assisting Lyn and Hector with the oncoming raid of archers to notice that the prince had run off. She frantically waved her gloved hand to call on the mages Robin and Henry for assistance on the battlefield. Although the area was covered in trees and different vegetation, the two mages were able to spot their tactician, her white and gold cloak contrasting with the dark colors of the night. When Henry and Robin gained the upper hand in the battle against the archers, Kiran thought it would be appropriate to leave, eager to help out the other areas of the battlefield.

For the most part, the battle had been under Askran control. After what seemed like an eternity, Xander called for a hasty retreat, lest they risk losing more soldiers. As the Emblian soldiers ran off, the Order of Heroes let out a triumphant cheer  for successfully defending their fort. All that needed to be done now was to asses the damage as healers ran across the battlefield, ready to help those who were injured.

Alfonse sheathed his trusty Folkvangr back into his scabbard, silently reminding himself to clean it after all of this was over. He then looked over his shoulder, expecting Kiran to come running up to check on him. It was something she tended to do, just as he would fuss about her own health, Kiran would dote on the Askran royal -- especially after battles. Her lips would form a pout as she would assess any injuries and would profusely apologize if she had sent him off on a particularly risky area.

He frowned deeply when he noticed that Kiran was not there, his heart skipping into a quickened beat. Alfonse felt something was amiss as he scanned the battlefield for his trusted partner. It was when he heard the voice of the Exalted Lucina that caused his worries to increase tenfold.

“Has anyone seen Lady Kiran?”

Hushed whispers came from all directions as everyone felt the air grow with tension. Where was their tactician? Had she been kidnapped by the enemy? Or maybe worse…?

Commander Anna spoke above the anxious whispers, her own voice strong enough to travel across the former battlefield. “Everyone, split up and look for Kiran! Palla, Catria, Est, please, fly above to see if you spot her.”

Without hesitation, the entire army went out in groups to look for Kiran. Alfonse and Sharena went together -- the siblings did work best after all.

The prince scanned the area, desperately hoping to spot her signature cloak covering her unharmed form, but all he could see was the vegetation -- it seemed almost supernatural. “Kiran! Can you hear us?”

“Kiran!!” Sharena yelled, gripping Fensalir tightly gripped in her hands. The frown she currently had on her face deepened when she received no answer. “Oh brother, do you think she’s alright?”

Alfonse did his best to not give into his worst fears, but for every minute that they could not find Kiran, he felt himself slowly losing his willpower. Despite his doubts eating away at his mind, the prince would not allow his pessimistic outlook to affect his sister, so he gave her the best reassurance he could offer.

“I’m sure she’s alright Sharena. Most likely, Kiran hid from an enemy soldier after the battle, and is currently waiting for one of us to find her.”

“I hope so… I’m just so worried.” The frown on Sharena’s face did not disappear as she continued their search, and Alfonse felt his chest tightened, his failure to appease his sister only made his own fears grow. At this point, he couldn't even believe his own words.

If the Emblian forces took her, there is no telling what Veronica might do to her. She would look past the obvious advantage of having the legendary Breidablik-wielder at her disposal and would instead kill Kiran on the spot. The mere thought was enough to twist the prince’s stomach.

“Kiran? Kiran!!” His calls echoed through the forest only to be replied with the voices of various heroes in the army looking for the summoner. At this point, their search looked to have dismal results.

“Kiran!!” But he couldn’t just give up… “Kiran! Please! Answer me!!” He just wanted to embrace her, and stroke her hair -- something that tended to relax not only Kiran, but himself. He just wanted to know that she was safe and alive.

“Al...fonse…?” The prince whipped his head around when he heard his name being called, albeit by a weak and croaking voice. Sharena also heard, her ponytail flung violently as she turned her head.

“What was that?”

“Help…” It was a meek and trembling voice, and it sounded like they were in a devastating amount of pain. Quickly, Alfonse made his way to the source of the voice, spotting something -- or someone, rather -- rustling in the bushes.

The prince cautiously approached the bush, his sister following mere steps beside him. As they approached the bush, they spotted the familiar white and gold markings of their tactician’s coat. Immediately, Sharena’s serious expression turned into a joyous one upon seeing Kiran.

“Kiran!! Thank goodness we found you!” Her cheerful demeanor returning rather quickly as she approached her dear ally. However, when she received no response from her friend, the princess’ new smile fell quickly. “...Kiran?”

Alfonse cautiously took a step forward, inspecting Kiran and her odd behavior. Why was she hunched over? It would be much easier to spot her if she was standing. As his feet carried him closer to the summoner, he had realized that his worst fears were becoming a reality.

He spotted the sickening crimson staining the other side of her coat, and a good amount of it dripping onto the soil beneath her. The summoner was trembling, and her eyes were dazed, as if they had difficulty concentrating on her surroundings. Her eyes were filled with tears that fell almost as quickly as the blood from her cloak. However, what caused the prince to almost gag on sight was the arrow. The arrow, that was the cause of her rapid bleeding, was protruding from her side. An archer had landed a direct hit on Kiran, and it looked fatal.

The summoner could not respond as the shock from the injury caused her mouth to clamp shut. Her trembling body only worsened the pain, as it agitated the arrow inside. Her hands were currently applying pressure to the wound, but it seemed futile as blood still freely oozed through her fingers, and that only terrified the summoner. She was never used to seeing this much blood coming out of her body. All tactical thoughts were replaced with the desperate need to make the pain go away. To feel better.

“He...lp…” Her voice was weak, barely audible to the Askran siblings.

Alfonse could feel the bile rising in his throat, as he had never wanted to see such an image in his entire life. He had killed soldiers before, and although this gave him an unsettled mindset, he had no connection to them. But this. This was Kiran. His beloved Kiran. Witnessing her on the verge of death made him absolutely sick.

“Alfonse!” Sharena called, snapping the prince out of his dreadful thoughts. “We need to get her to a healer! Quick!”

“O-Of course!” The Askran prince blinked, forcing himself to move closer to Kiran. He gingerly snaked his arm under her legs and back in order to hoist her up. However, the sudden movement caused the arrow to jostle violently from its place, and Kiran let out a painful cry. She gripped Alfonse’s scarf, staining the white piece of clothing with her blood. Alfonse swallowed hard to keep the bile from building up.

The prince’s heart shattered as he could only helplessly offer some useless words for reassurance. “F-Forgive me, Kiran. I know it hurts, but it will be all better….” At this point, he didn’t know whether that was for Kiran, or himself. He held the trembling tactician close to his chest as he and Sharena headed back to the fort.

As he carried her closer and closer to the fort, Alfonse could hear the small whimpers escaping Kiran’s mouth as she sobbed through the pain. Her hand still gripped his scarf, and the prince could have sworn that he smelled her blood.

“Al…” Kiran mumbled, her incoherent state making her speak. “I don’t… want to die…” She sobbed, tears falling even moreso now. “I don’t…”

Her meek, vulnerable voice tore Alfonse’s heart, and he blinked feverently in an attempt to block the tears threatening to spill.

“Y-You won’t…” His fear caused his voice to shake. Alfonse could see the fire from one of the mages. Princess Anthiese. He was so close. “You won’t die here. I won’t let it happen.”

“Lady Celica!!” Sharena frantically waved her arms in order to catch the royal’s attention. “Lady Celica! Light a flare!”

The Zofian princess, quickly understanding the gravity of the situation, raised her arm up and fired a simple fire spell. In a quick moment, the army started to group together, curious as to why she sent the signal.

“Kiran has been injured!” Alfonse spoke, not wanting to waste time. “We need a healer, now!”

With not a moment to lose, clerics such as Lissa and Maria flocked Alfonse, preparing their staffs.

“Oh this won’t work!” Lissa whined. “We need to remove the arrow! Let’s get her to the healing tent!”

“Prince Alfonse, will you assist us?” One of the clerics, Priscilla, asked as she hoisted up her mount. “I can take you both on my horse.”

The prince wasted no time in pulling himself up on top of the horse. His actions sufficing as a reply.

Alfonse had prepared himself to hear Kiran protest in some way -- all this movement must have upset her, but she was silent. She was silent… Alfonse’s blood ran cold when he looked down and checked on the summoner. Her eyes were close, and her breathing was shallow. Her ghostly pale face frightened him as it eerily glimmered under the moonlight.

“Kiran? Kiran!” He yelled, gently tapping her cheek in an attempt to force a reaction from her. “Kiran!!” His arms trembled as he felt a numbness take him over, his grip on Kiran loosening. He stared at the tactician, tired and distressed eyes scanning for any type of movement.

His chest tightened as he could only see the shallow breaths that struggled to push. Alfonse lowered his head, his worst fears finally consuming his mind. Kiran was dying.

[slovenlyrecordings]

The ripping 2017 debut LP from Brooklyn's MORAL PANIC

MORAL PANIC "Moral Panic" LP by MORAL PANIC

[prehistoricsounds]

Arrivals for the past week!

Starting with new releases, we have the new Bruce Springsteen "Letter To You", Caberet Voltaire "Shadow Of Fear", Dirty Projectors "5EPS", The King! Elvis Presley and recently unearthed "From Elvis In Nashville" 1970 sessions. Finntroll "Vredesvavd", Self-titled debut album from Lupin, Neil Young and Crazy Horse "Return To Greendale" a 2003 concert. Also Live, Nick Cave "Idiot Prayer: Alone At Alexandra Palace", Nothing But Thieves "Moral Panic", Post Truth "Response To Trauma", Something For Kate "The Modern Medieval", Stalker "Black Magik Terror", Stryper "Even The Devil Believes", The Dirty Knobs "Wreckless Abandon", Triple One "Panic Force"

Reissues & Legacy releases from Devo, Coldplay, Alice In Chains, Swans, Gorillaz , Hilltop Hoods, Jeff Beck, Spice Girls & Talking Heads plus more!

AC/DC - Let There Be Rock [LP] Alice In Chains - Facelift [2LP] Alpha Wolf - A Quiet Place To Die (Coloured) [LP] Angus & Julia Stone - A Book Like This [2LP] Benee - Fire On Marzz / Stella & Steve [LP] Bruce Springsteen - Darkness On The Edge Of Town [LP] (sold) Bruce Springsteen - Letter To You [2LP] Bruce Springsteen - Letter To You [CD] (sold) Cabaret Voltaire - Shadow Of Fear [2LP] Coldplay - Parachutes (Yellow) [LP] Devo - Duty Now For The Future (Magenta) [LP] Devo - Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (White) [LP] Didirri - Measurements [LP] Didirri - Sold For Sale [LP] Dirty Projectors - 5EPS (Clear) [2LP] Elton John - Diamonds [2LP] Elvis Presley - From Elvis In Nashville [2LP] Finntroll - Vredesvavd [LP] Gorillaz - G Sides [LP] Harry Styles - Fine Line [2LP] Harry Styles - Harry Styles [LP] (sold) High On Fire - Death Is The Communion [2LP] (sold) Hilltop Hoods - Walking Under Stars: Instrumental Edition (Blue) [2LP] Janis Joplin - Pearl [LP] Jeff Beck - Blow By Blow (Orange) [LP] Jimi Hendrix Experience - Axis: Bold As Love [LP] Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland (50th Anniversary Deluxe) [6LP+BLU Box] (sold) Johnny Shines Band - Masters Of Modern Blues [CD] (sold) Kaleo - A/B [LP] (sold) Kim Wilson - Take Me Back [CD] (sold) King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Flying Microtonal Banana (Yellow) [LP] Lupin - Lupin (Red) [LP] Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Purple) [LP] Michael Jackson - Bad [LP] (sold) Midnight Oil - The Makarrata Project (Yellow) [LP] Motorhead - Bomber [LP] Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Return To Greendale [2LP] Nick Cave - Idiot Prayer: Alone At Alexandra Palace [2LP] Nirvana - MTV Unplugged In New York (Deluxe) [2LP] Nothing But Thieves - Moral Panic [LP] Paul Dempsey - Everything Is True (Beer) [2LP] (sold) Pearl Jam - Ten [LP] Pink Floyd - Delicate Sound Of Thunder (Remix) [3LP] Pink Floyd - The Later Years 1987-2019 [LP] Post Truth - Responses To Trauma [LP] Presidents Of The United States Of America - Presidents Of The United States Of America [LP] (sold) Sam Cooke - The Best Of Sam Cooke [LP] Something For Kate - The Modern Medieval (Mustard) [LP] (sold) Something For Kate - The Modern Medieval (Red) [LP] Something For Kate - The Modern Medieval [CD] Soundgarden - Badmotorfinger [LP] Soundgarden - King Animal [2LP] Spice Girls - Forever [LP] Stalker - Black Magik Terror [LP] Stryper - Even The Devil Believes [LP] Swans - Children Of God [2LP] Talking Heads - Talking Heads: 77 (Green) [LP] The Dirty Knobs - Wreckless Abandon [2LP] The Rolling Stones - Voodoo Lounge Uncut (Red) [3LP] (sold) The Teskey Brothers - Half Mile Harvest [LP] Toto - IV [LP] Travis Scott - Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight [LP] Triple One - Panic Force [2LP] U2 - Achtung Baby [2LP] U2 - Songs Of Experience (Blue) [2LP] U2 - The Best Of 1990-2000 [2LP] Wallows - Nothing Happens [LP] (sold)

[binbunmusic]

My vinyl records (71-75)

Part 2 of 2 ^^

Pan Amsterdam’s album Ha Chu (Limited edition, numbered ‘Springtime Green’ vinyl, pre-order)

Oh man. Where to begin with this guy. This album. It’s one of those things you have to listen to, to know whether you’ll like it. I could try my best to describe it in detail, but I’m not going to, ‘cause I want everyone to check this out.  For me personally, Pan Amsterdam was one of those artists I had to ‘get used to’, and I don’t mean that in a negative way, It just took me some time before I felt like I ‘got it.’ It’s the same reason I don’t really have a favourite song by this artist. I’ll do my best to give recommendations below, but I really think it’s about the atmosphere on this album more than anything else.  This was one of the most exciting vinyl-unboxings I’ve experienced to date - hopefully you’ll get why, when you see it. Imo, Pan Amsterdam is one of the most under-rated artists of today. Check it out if you’re in the mood for something experimental yet… soothing?

Favourite tracks: Trix and Dried Saliva

(front)

(back)

(record)

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The Fratellis’ debut-album ‘Costello Music’ (Limited edition, numbered Dark Green Transparent vinyl)

I actually traded my ‘Puddinghead’ vinyl for this one. Might’ve been a mistake if you ask a hardcore vinyl collector ’cause I think the BPM vinyl might be more ‘exculsive’ or whatever. But the simple reason I did it is, I like this album better ^^ I still listen to this more regularly than I do Puddinghead, even though it’s an older album. And this version is cooler than the one I already have, so I’ll probably trade/sell that one at some point. I might be a sucker for limited edition vinyls, but I don’t really need two versions of the same album lol I know I’ve had a couple different versions of this album by now, but I’m pretty confident this is one I’ll end up keeping for good.  Not much else to say, I’ve said it twice before, so...

Favourite tracks: Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night and Chelsea Dagger

(front)

(back)

(record)

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James Blake’s album ‘Assume Form’ (Limited edition, 180 g, Green vinyl)

I don’t know why I’ve been torn for so long with this album. I would’ve bought the vinyl when the album came about, but for some reason it was only released on casette? And then I sort of forgot about the album until he released his first single of 2020. Usually with James Blake it’s a surefire success for me every time he releases something new. About a year after it’s release, and after months of listening to it bit by bit, I came to the conclusion that this might be his best album to date. I know that might be a controversial opinion, but the sheer fact that it took me so long to figure it out is a big pointer, I think. Don’t know if that makes sense... Oh also, for some reason I got a free signed card with my order, which is a pretty sweet bonus, if you ask me ^^

Favourite tracks: I’ll Come Too and Power On

(front)

(gatefold)

(back)

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Nothing But Thieves’ album ‘Moral Panic’ (“Marbled” LP, pre-order)

I was torn with this one. I feel like this band in particular is all about re-imagining their own sound with every album they release. With this one I couldn’t quite tell from the first singles, what direction they were going for. After realizing that they were going for a kind of heavy/emo vibe, I ended up pre-ordering it out of curiosity. It’s not too far from what I expected from them, so I thought it couldn’t possibly disappoint. And I was right for the most part! The album is pretty decent (not their best imo, but still really good) but therea problem with the production of the vinyl itself. I honestly am not sure whether I’m happy about the way it turned out. On one hand, it’s kind of cool to have the “faulty” version, ‘cause not a lot of people do. On the other hand it doesn’t exactly match the album cover like it would have with the intended colour. I can’t say I regret buying it tho, it’s cool either way :)

Favourite tracks: Phobia and Can You Afford To Be An Individual?

(front)

(back)

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Ball Park Music’s album ‘Every Night the Same Dream’ (180 g White LP)

Like the James Blake album, it took me some time to realize how great this album really is (and by ‘some time’ I mean several years) The songwriting is one thing, but I think it’s all the small details in the mixing that make all the difference. It’s not something I usually pay attention to, so I guess that explains why it took me so long. If you’ve followed me for ‘some time’ you might have noticed that I’m a pretty big fan of Ball Park Music. But I gotta say, at first I thought this album was kind of a mess. But if anything, it now feels like an organized mess, or a representation of just how many different things BPM can be. And the most important thing; they still sound like they’re doing this for fun :D

Favourite tracks: Peppy and Ever Since I Turned the Lights On

(front)

(back)

(record)

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[prettyinnoise]

Nothing But Thieves – Moral Panic (LP) (23.10.2020) Bereits im März meldeten sich Nothing But Thieves mit ihrer Single Is Everybody Going Crazy zurück. Nun kündigen sie ihren neuen Longplayer Moral Panic  für den Herbst an.